Nazar Research Center for Art, Architecture and Urbanism (NRC)The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar1735-9635156520181023An Investigation into the Role of Ritual Landscapes in the Identity of Iranian CitiesAn Investigation into the Role of Ritual Landscapes in the Identity of Iranian Cities5127407210.22034/bagh.2018.74072FAHamideh Abarghouei FardPh. D. caddidate, landscape architecture, faculty of fine arts, university of Tehran, Tehran, Iran0000-0003-0528-9272Parichehr SaboonchiPh. D. candidate, landscape architecture, faculty of fine arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-4805-2470Ahmad Ali Farzinlandscape architecture, faculty of fine arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranJournal Article20181017For centuries, ritual spaces have played an important role in shaping the cities landscapes and cultural foundations of human societies. Some historians believe that one of the main causes of the city’s formation is due to its ritual and spiritual performance. Thanks to the experience of spatial co-participation, ritual spaces are considered as the strongest collective space experiences in Iranian culture which have created positive environmental qualities for interactions and social relationships by having a close relationship with the natural factors such as the water and tree, and enjoying a collective and ritual nature; consequently, they have created the possibility of the formation of a single mindset in the inhabitants of different cities. Since the beginning of the Islamic era, ritual landscapes have continued in a particular way in the landscape and identity of Iranian cities.<br />The present study aimed to investigate the effects of ritual landscapes on the identity of Iranian cities through integrating their common form (natural) and subjective (social) content.<br />at first, the common pattern of their naturalistic and social meanings was investigated and then their impact on the identity of cities was studied as the social and semantic milestones. After that, considering the concept of the spatial organization of cities, the scope of the influence of these landscapes on the identity of cities was investigated at the three levels of the centrality of city in the ritual cities (macro), a network of ritual neighborhoods in the city center (middle), and the independent religious neighborhoods (micro).<br />similar pattern of ritual landscapes has caused the development of cities and their neighborhoods, and these common characteristics and effects due to their ritual, social, and semantic nature play a prominent role in the field of perception of the cities’ mental and conceptual aspect.For centuries, ritual spaces have played an important role in shaping the cities landscapes and cultural foundations of human societies. Some historians believe that one of the main causes of the city’s formation is due to its ritual and spiritual performance. Thanks to the experience of spatial co-participation, ritual spaces are considered as the strongest collective space experiences in Iranian culture which have created positive environmental qualities for interactions and social relationships by having a close relationship with the natural factors such as the water and tree, and enjoying a collective and ritual nature; consequently, they have created the possibility of the formation of a single mindset in the inhabitants of different cities. Since the beginning of the Islamic era, ritual landscapes have continued in a particular way in the landscape and identity of Iranian cities.<br />The present study aimed to investigate the effects of ritual landscapes on the identity of Iranian cities through integrating their common form (natural) and subjective (social) content.<br />at first, the common pattern of their naturalistic and social meanings was investigated and then their impact on the identity of cities was studied as the social and semantic milestones. After that, considering the concept of the spatial organization of cities, the scope of the influence of these landscapes on the identity of cities was investigated at the three levels of the centrality of city in the ritual cities (macro), a network of ritual neighborhoods in the city center (middle), and the independent religious neighborhoods (micro).<br />similar pattern of ritual landscapes has caused the development of cities and their neighborhoods, and these common characteristics and effects due to their ritual, social, and semantic nature play a prominent role in the field of perception of the cities’ mental and conceptual aspect.Nazar Research Center for Art, Architecture and Urbanism (NRC)The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar1735-9635156520181023Phenomenology: A Methodology for Understanding Traditional ArchitecturePhenomenology: A Methodology for Understanding Traditional Architecture13247407510.22034/bagh.2018.74075FASamaneh Emami KoupaeiPh. D. Candidate in Architecture, Faculty of Architecture & urban planning, Islamic Azad University, central Tehran branch.Vida Nourouz BorazjaniFaculty Member, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture & Urban Planning, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch.Mohammad Javad SafianFaculty of Literature and Humanities, Isfahan university, Isfahan, Iran.Journal Article20181017Problem Statement: This article aims at disclosing an authentic essence of traditional architecture and show how it can be approached. Not much exists on this issue and our knowledge is limited to misconceptions. As a result, we have faced absurdity and chaos in contemporary architecture. This problem has been exacerbated by an inappropriate method and superficial responses.<br />Objective: The goal of this study is to present an appropriate and comprehensive method to examine the traditional architecture and to uncover its truth. We assume that phenomenology can address the methodological issues regarding the essence of traditional architecture. <br />Research methodology: After reviewing pertinent literature systematically and interpreting them, we attempted to use logical reasoning to find an appropriate method for traditional architecture and fill the gap in the existing literature on the phenomenological method. <br />Conclusion: The results of this research indicate that conceptual thinking and scientific and quantitative approach to works of architecture will not guide us to architecture’s fundamental. Instead, we need to refer to the artworks and approach them with empathy to find a common language with those works to uncover their fundamental concepts and hidden implications. The way we choose to reach a better understanding of traditional architecture consists of seven steps or stages: (1) Wonder and search, (2) Revelation of the universe, (3) Mental refinement, (4) Environmental identity, (5) Phenomenological grasp of the environment, (6) Finding a language for assertions, and (7) Uncovering the hidden meanings.Problem Statement: This article aims at disclosing an authentic essence of traditional architecture and show how it can be approached. Not much exists on this issue and our knowledge is limited to misconceptions. As a result, we have faced absurdity and chaos in contemporary architecture. This problem has been exacerbated by an inappropriate method and superficial responses.<br />Objective: The goal of this study is to present an appropriate and comprehensive method to examine the traditional architecture and to uncover its truth. We assume that phenomenology can address the methodological issues regarding the essence of traditional architecture. <br />Research methodology: After reviewing pertinent literature systematically and interpreting them, we attempted to use logical reasoning to find an appropriate method for traditional architecture and fill the gap in the existing literature on the phenomenological method. <br />Conclusion: The results of this research indicate that conceptual thinking and scientific and quantitative approach to works of architecture will not guide us to architecture’s fundamental. Instead, we need to refer to the artworks and approach them with empathy to find a common language with those works to uncover their fundamental concepts and hidden implications. The way we choose to reach a better understanding of traditional architecture consists of seven steps or stages: (1) Wonder and search, (2) Revelation of the universe, (3) Mental refinement, (4) Environmental identity, (5) Phenomenological grasp of the environment, (6) Finding a language for assertions, and (7) Uncovering the hidden meanings.Nazar Research Center for Art, Architecture and Urbanism (NRC)The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar1735-9635156520181023Controlling Air Pollution with the Use of Bio Facades (A solution to Control Air Pollution in Tehran)Controlling Air Pollution with the Use of Bio Facades (A solution to Control Air Pollution in Tehran)25407407710.22034/bagh.2018.74077FAMatin BastanfardArchitectural and Urban Faculty, Shahrood University of TechnologyJournal Article20181017Statement of the problem: The speed with which cities develop cause disruptions to the environment and create problems such as air pollution. Air pollution management programs are often focused on controlling the sources that are producing the pollutants. This method can effectively reduce the level of new air pollutants but it is does not have any effect on existing pollutants that are already in the air. <br />This paper, by accepting the current state is looking to control air pollution in order to reduce the level of harm to humans through architecture, municipal engineering, and the effect of facade structures. The capabilities that nature itself has in controlling air pollution have entered the field of architecture. Three of these capabilities will be studied: water facades, algae facades and green live facades. <br />Purpose: One of the most important approaches in architecture and municipal engineering is paying attention to nature as a model and solution to environmental problems. The main purpose of this research is to have a better understanding of how bio-based walls promote air quality and reduce pollutants and how to create a more productive bio-facade. <br />Research method: Because this research is interdisciplinary, combinative methods need to be used in order in undertake this research. The majority of the resources for this paper have been through libraries and available references; however, in order to further expand there is a need for combining the research from interdisciplinary fields. Because there is a lack of quantitative data about each system’s performance, the systems will be introduced through tables and their strengths and weaknesses will be identified. The research will then be applied to practical methods, which will allow for the qualitative comparison of these systems. The most productive method will be chosen. <br />Conclusion: Based on all stages of this paper, and by considering the qualitative comparison of 3 bio-based facades and studying each system’s strengths and weaknesses, it should be acknowledged that green facades, can present a suitable structure for controlling Tehran’s air pollution. In regards to plans and predictions of Tehran’s municipality about beautification, it should be acknowledged that green facades have a higher chance for short-term productivity in solving this problem in the capital.Statement of the problem: The speed with which cities develop cause disruptions to the environment and create problems such as air pollution. Air pollution management programs are often focused on controlling the sources that are producing the pollutants. This method can effectively reduce the level of new air pollutants but it is does not have any effect on existing pollutants that are already in the air. <br />This paper, by accepting the current state is looking to control air pollution in order to reduce the level of harm to humans through architecture, municipal engineering, and the effect of facade structures. The capabilities that nature itself has in controlling air pollution have entered the field of architecture. Three of these capabilities will be studied: water facades, algae facades and green live facades. <br />Purpose: One of the most important approaches in architecture and municipal engineering is paying attention to nature as a model and solution to environmental problems. The main purpose of this research is to have a better understanding of how bio-based walls promote air quality and reduce pollutants and how to create a more productive bio-facade. <br />Research method: Because this research is interdisciplinary, combinative methods need to be used in order in undertake this research. The majority of the resources for this paper have been through libraries and available references; however, in order to further expand there is a need for combining the research from interdisciplinary fields. Because there is a lack of quantitative data about each system’s performance, the systems will be introduced through tables and their strengths and weaknesses will be identified. The research will then be applied to practical methods, which will allow for the qualitative comparison of these systems. The most productive method will be chosen. <br />Conclusion: Based on all stages of this paper, and by considering the qualitative comparison of 3 bio-based facades and studying each system’s strengths and weaknesses, it should be acknowledged that green facades, can present a suitable structure for controlling Tehran’s air pollution. In regards to plans and predictions of Tehran’s municipality about beautification, it should be acknowledged that green facades have a higher chance for short-term productivity in solving this problem in the capital.Nazar Research Center for Art, Architecture and Urbanism (NRC)The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar1735-9635156520181023Study of Postwar Reconstruction of Jamaleh Quarter in IsfahanStudy of Postwar Reconstruction of Jamaleh Quarter in Isfahan41487407810.22034/bagh.2018.74078FASharif MotavafPh.D. in Urban DevelopmentMarjan ShahrokhianM.A in Reconstruction after DisasterElham KazeminiaM.A in Islamic ArchitectureJournal Article20181017Isfahan is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with unique residential quarters of old age and unique beauty. One of such ancient districts is a quarter called “Dardasht”, which is of a great historical value and hosts Jamaleh quarter. This area, which has an invaluable historical texture, was attacked and damaged by Iraqi missiles and bombs during Iran-Iraq 8-year war and was then rebuilt. The reconstruction program was conducted in Jamaleh with the aim of rehabilitating the quarter using theoretical foundations consistent with the principles of traditional architecture, and was expected to be proved as a successful example, but failed to succeed in the implementation of the project, and the output of this reconstruction project represents a different face of native architecture based on the principles of Iranian architecture and the lives of residents. As a result, the texture underwent unexpected systemic, social and economic changes. This article, extracted from the writer’s master’s thesis in this regard, aims at examining theories and the process of rebuilding invaluable historical textures and extracting lessons from it.<br />The method of analysis in this paper is qualitative and descriptive-analytical, but the use of statistical data (if necessary) has also been used to prove the hypotheses. After reviewing the views on the reconstruction and extraction of indicators, they are measured against the situation in Jamaleh quarter so that it can be determined whether the implementation of the reconstruction was consistent with the theoretical foundations. Finally, theoretical and statistical analyses have been used to prove the hypothesis and to answer the research questions.<br />The results of this study suggest that what is being discussed in the theoretical framework of this project is very different from what was expected after thirty years, and that the goals contemplated were not achieved. At the time this paper was being written, further studies indicated that in ancient cities, interference with the historical context is, for any reason, very important and critical. Officials and planners need to be familiar with various aspects of intervention and rehabilitation in ancient textures with a comprehensive and profound viewpoint. Having a proper theoretical framework and plan and implementing it properly makes the reconstruction very effective, leading either to the rehabilitation or destruction of a quarter, just as what happened to Jamaleh quarter of Isfahan. Despite the appropriate framework and theoretical foundations, after about thirty years from the rebuilding of the quarter, none of the principles of the reconstruction plan can be seen today.Isfahan is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with unique residential quarters of old age and unique beauty. One of such ancient districts is a quarter called “Dardasht”, which is of a great historical value and hosts Jamaleh quarter. This area, which has an invaluable historical texture, was attacked and damaged by Iraqi missiles and bombs during Iran-Iraq 8-year war and was then rebuilt. The reconstruction program was conducted in Jamaleh with the aim of rehabilitating the quarter using theoretical foundations consistent with the principles of traditional architecture, and was expected to be proved as a successful example, but failed to succeed in the implementation of the project, and the output of this reconstruction project represents a different face of native architecture based on the principles of Iranian architecture and the lives of residents. As a result, the texture underwent unexpected systemic, social and economic changes. This article, extracted from the writer’s master’s thesis in this regard, aims at examining theories and the process of rebuilding invaluable historical textures and extracting lessons from it.<br />The method of analysis in this paper is qualitative and descriptive-analytical, but the use of statistical data (if necessary) has also been used to prove the hypotheses. After reviewing the views on the reconstruction and extraction of indicators, they are measured against the situation in Jamaleh quarter so that it can be determined whether the implementation of the reconstruction was consistent with the theoretical foundations. Finally, theoretical and statistical analyses have been used to prove the hypothesis and to answer the research questions.<br />The results of this study suggest that what is being discussed in the theoretical framework of this project is very different from what was expected after thirty years, and that the goals contemplated were not achieved. At the time this paper was being written, further studies indicated that in ancient cities, interference with the historical context is, for any reason, very important and critical. Officials and planners need to be familiar with various aspects of intervention and rehabilitation in ancient textures with a comprehensive and profound viewpoint. Having a proper theoretical framework and plan and implementing it properly makes the reconstruction very effective, leading either to the rehabilitation or destruction of a quarter, just as what happened to Jamaleh quarter of Isfahan. Despite the appropriate framework and theoretical foundations, after about thirty years from the rebuilding of the quarter, none of the principles of the reconstruction plan can be seen today.Nazar Research Center for Art, Architecture and Urbanism (NRC)The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar1735-9635156520181023A Schematic Explanatory Pattern for the Psychological Process of Achieving Environmental Meaning and Actualizing Sense of Place Focusing on the Intervening Role of the PerceptionA Schematic Explanatory Pattern for the Psychological Process of Achieving Environmental Meaning and Actualizing Sense of Place Focusing on the Intervening Role of the Perception49667408310.22034/bagh.2018.74083FAHossein RezaeiPh.D. Candidate of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.Ghazal KeramatiArchitecture and urban planning, Islamic Azad University Central Tehran Branch,Tehran, Iran0000-0002-1029-2495Mozayan Dehbashi SharifFaculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.Mohammadreza Nasir SalamiAssistant Professor, Department of Architecture and Urban Design, College of Architecture, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranJournal Article20181017Statement of the problem : Today, the quality of achieving environmental meaning and subsequently the actualization of the sense of place in different levels has been specially considered due to its importance in architecture, especially with the emergence of the knowledge of environmental psychology. According to this and the belief in the dominant methodology propagated in behavioural sciences, it seems that attempting to explain the environmental design process in the form of common methods in other sciences and presenting it in descriptive patterns is one of the main goals of joining these areas of knowledge. The significance of this adaptation is considerable and covers the core of this research in point of the effectiveness of architectural products in the contemporary world. The current study attempts to answer the following questions: "what are the main effective physical factors in forming the environmental meaning and actualization of a sense of place? Moreover, what is their mechanism of action in the process? Also, how can it be described as a generative structural pattern?" <br />Research Objective: According to the above-mentioned subject, the main goal of this research is to investigate the state of achieving the environmental meaning and subsequently actualizing the sense of place. It is focused on its structural process by a systematic approach in a form of psychological pattern based on the levels of human existence. <br />Methodology : Regarding the exploratory nature of the study, a qualitative survey method entitled "Constructivist Grounded Theory" was chosen to identify the variables of the problem and deduce the relations between them. It should be noted that the semi-structured interviews with some specialists in the field of architecture and environmental design were utilized in this method, in addition to the descriptive-analytical strategy. <br />Conclusion: In this research, the importance of the variable "environmental perception" was focused, in different aspects, as the center of the considered process in the proposed pattern. Therefore, its key role in defining human expectations of the built environment and his behavioral reaction was emphasized as a result. Accordingly, a generative structural pattern consisting of three elements of "components, syntax, and meaning" is presented, which are equated with physical factors, environmental behavior, and environmental sense respectively. Finally, it could be claimed that the suggested pattern is capable of evaluating the existing environment purposefully and efficient in designing new environments.Statement of the problem : Today, the quality of achieving environmental meaning and subsequently the actualization of the sense of place in different levels has been specially considered due to its importance in architecture, especially with the emergence of the knowledge of environmental psychology. According to this and the belief in the dominant methodology propagated in behavioural sciences, it seems that attempting to explain the environmental design process in the form of common methods in other sciences and presenting it in descriptive patterns is one of the main goals of joining these areas of knowledge. The significance of this adaptation is considerable and covers the core of this research in point of the effectiveness of architectural products in the contemporary world. The current study attempts to answer the following questions: "what are the main effective physical factors in forming the environmental meaning and actualization of a sense of place? Moreover, what is their mechanism of action in the process? Also, how can it be described as a generative structural pattern?" <br />Research Objective: According to the above-mentioned subject, the main goal of this research is to investigate the state of achieving the environmental meaning and subsequently actualizing the sense of place. It is focused on its structural process by a systematic approach in a form of psychological pattern based on the levels of human existence. <br />Methodology : Regarding the exploratory nature of the study, a qualitative survey method entitled "Constructivist Grounded Theory" was chosen to identify the variables of the problem and deduce the relations between them. It should be noted that the semi-structured interviews with some specialists in the field of architecture and environmental design were utilized in this method, in addition to the descriptive-analytical strategy. <br />Conclusion: In this research, the importance of the variable "environmental perception" was focused, in different aspects, as the center of the considered process in the proposed pattern. Therefore, its key role in defining human expectations of the built environment and his behavioral reaction was emphasized as a result. Accordingly, a generative structural pattern consisting of three elements of "components, syntax, and meaning" is presented, which are equated with physical factors, environmental behavior, and environmental sense respectively. Finally, it could be claimed that the suggested pattern is capable of evaluating the existing environment purposefully and efficient in designing new environments.Nazar Research Center for Art, Architecture and Urbanism (NRC)The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar1735-9635156520181023Application of the Conceptual Model of Balanced Renovation in Distressed Urban decayApplication of the Conceptual Model of Balanced Renovation in Distressed Urban decay67827408410.22034/bagh.2018.74084FAAlireza AndalibIslamic Azad University, Science and research, Tehran.Mohammad Reza EbrahimiTehran Renovation OrganizationJournal Article20181017With the development of the systemic approach in urban planning that attempted to identify various activities that determine the nature of the human environment and the relationships between them, various techniques have been developed, one of the most important of which is the models. In fact, a models is a simple reformation of reality which reduces the apparent complexity of the real world and transforms it into an understandable form. Therefore, conceptual and perceptual models are used to understand, interpret, and reform the facts in everyday lives. With regard to the complexities of urban issues, the possibility of exploiting from past teachings and experiences in the renovation of distressed urban textures, especially the conceptual model, that is derived from a domestic theory and is compatible with the circumstances in our country is being felt even more than before. <br />As a domestic theory, "The theory of balanced renovation in distressed urban fabrics", which has been proposed with emphasis on producing an innovative pattern in response to today’s needs for the renovation of these urban fabrics in Iran, has presented its conceptual model as a practical model in order to objectify and substantiate the principals of this theory. As a balance-based management, the balanced renovation conceptual model tries to guide towards bringing back the balance and to prevent deviating or getting out of balance in the renovation system of textures, areas and target districts. <br />The method of this research, with emphasis on the scientific research method, is to achieve the goal of balance while studying, recognizing and identifying the components that affect it. This is done by exploratory factor analysis and by identifying the factors affecting the nine networks and using successive dichotomies. The use of hierarchical cluster structure, in total, shapes a texture or neighborhood renovating system which is considered as a system derived from the general system of the city. The applicable-functional model is a two-dimensional model including index elements and model components, balance coefficients, deviation from balance, balance equation, and finally triple applications.With the development of the systemic approach in urban planning that attempted to identify various activities that determine the nature of the human environment and the relationships between them, various techniques have been developed, one of the most important of which is the models. In fact, a models is a simple reformation of reality which reduces the apparent complexity of the real world and transforms it into an understandable form. Therefore, conceptual and perceptual models are used to understand, interpret, and reform the facts in everyday lives. With regard to the complexities of urban issues, the possibility of exploiting from past teachings and experiences in the renovation of distressed urban textures, especially the conceptual model, that is derived from a domestic theory and is compatible with the circumstances in our country is being felt even more than before. <br />As a domestic theory, "The theory of balanced renovation in distressed urban fabrics", which has been proposed with emphasis on producing an innovative pattern in response to today’s needs for the renovation of these urban fabrics in Iran, has presented its conceptual model as a practical model in order to objectify and substantiate the principals of this theory. As a balance-based management, the balanced renovation conceptual model tries to guide towards bringing back the balance and to prevent deviating or getting out of balance in the renovation system of textures, areas and target districts. <br />The method of this research, with emphasis on the scientific research method, is to achieve the goal of balance while studying, recognizing and identifying the components that affect it. This is done by exploratory factor analysis and by identifying the factors affecting the nine networks and using successive dichotomies. The use of hierarchical cluster structure, in total, shapes a texture or neighborhood renovating system which is considered as a system derived from the general system of the city. The applicable-functional model is a two-dimensional model including index elements and model components, balance coefficients, deviation from balance, balance equation, and finally triple applications.